Plant Description:
Oldenlandia angolensis K.Schum. var. angolensis is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. It has a mat-forming growth habit and large leaves that are simple, opposite, and elliptical in shape. The plant's stems grow up to 3 feet long and have a reddish color.
Origin and Distribution:
Oldenlandia angolensis is native to southern and equatorial Africa, including Angola, Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Nigeria, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It can also be found in Madagascar and other Indian Ocean Islands. The plant grows in a wide range of habitats, including forests, savannas, and even disturbed areas.
Common Names:
Oldenlandia angolensis is commonly known as African Daisy, Owl's Eye, and Uwelenge in some parts of Africa.
Uses:
Oldenlandia angolensis is used in traditional African medicine to treat a wide range of ailments, including malaria, fevers, and diarrhea. The Mbuti people of the Congo rainforest also use the plant's roots to treat snake bites. The leaves and stems of the plant are used as a traditional remedy for liver ailments, menstrual disorders, and diarrhea in other parts of Africa. The plant's leaves are also used for their culinary purposes in some African countries.
The plant's compounds have also shown some potential in the treatment of cancer. Scientific studies have shown that Oldenlandia angolensis extracts contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and anti-cancer properties. There is further research needed to fully understand the plant's potential in cancer treatment.
In addition to its medicinal uses, Oldenlandia angolensis is also used as an ornamental plant due to its beautiful pink and white flowers. The plant is easy to propagate, and its spreading growth habit makes it an excellent ground cover plant in home gardens.
Light Requirements
Oldenlandia angolensis K.Schum. var. angolensis prefers to grow in bright but indirect sunlight. It can tolerate some partial shade, but too much shade can cause stunted growth and fewer blooms.
Temperature Requirements
Oldenlandia angolensis K.Schum. var. angolensis grows best in warm temperatures ranging from 20-30°C (68-86°F). It cannot tolerate frost or temperatures below 15°C (59°F). It is a tropical plant and grows best in humid conditions.
Soil Requirements
Oldenlandia angolensis K.Schum. var. angolensis prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. It thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Adding compost and peat moss to the soil can improve its texture and fertility. The plant does not tolerate waterlogged soil and is susceptible to root rot in such conditions.
Cultivation
The Oldenlandia angolensis K.Schum. var. angolensis is a tropical plant species that can grow well in temperatures between 20 - 30°C. It requires a well-drained soil with a pH range between 6.0 - 7.0. The plant can tolerate different soil types but thrives well in soils rich in organic matter.
The plant can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. Seeds should be sown during the rainy season when the soil is moist. The stem cuttings, on the other hand, can be taken during the growing season and planted in a well-prepared seedbed.
Watering Needs
The Oldenlandia angolensis K.Schum. var. angolensis requires regular watering to maintain its growth and keep its leaves green and healthy. It is important to note that overwatering the plant can cause root rot, which can lead to the plant's death.
The plant should be watered when the soil is dry. It is recommended to water the plant early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the water evaporating quickly during the day.
Fertilization
The Oldenlandia angolensis K.Schum. var. angolensis needs to be fertilized regularly to maintain healthy growth. The plant needs balanced nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Fertilization should be done during the growing season. Slow-release fertilizer is recommended for this plant species. Too much fertilizer can damage the plant, and under-fertilization can lead to stunted growth.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to keep the Oldenlandia angolensis K.Schum. var. angolensis plant in shape and promote healthy growth. It is recommended to prune the plant during the dry season, removing dead or diseased branches.
The plant should also be pruned to remove any overcrowded or crossing branches that can hinder air circulation and light penetration into the plant's canopy.
Pruning should be done using sterilized pruning tools to prevent the spread of diseases from an infected branch to the healthy parts of the plant.
Propagation Methods of Oldenlandia angolensis K.Schum. var. angolensis
Oldenlandia angolensis K.Schum. var. angolensis can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings, and layering.
Propagation through Seeds
Seeds of Oldenlandia angolensis K.Schum. var. angolensis can be sown directly in the soil. The germination rate is relatively low, so it is recommended to sow several seeds in each pot. It is advised to use a light and well-drained soil mix.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Propagation through stem cuttings is the easiest and the most common method of propagating Oldenlandia angolensis K.Schum. var. angolensis. Stem cuttings can be collected during the growing season. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and should be at least 5 cm long. It is recommended to use a rooting hormone to increase the success rate of rooting. Place the cuttings in a well-draining soil mix and keep them in a warm and moist environment until rooting occurs.
Propagation through Layering
Oldenlandia angolensis K.Schum. var. angolensis can also be propagated through layering. Select a healthy and low-lying stem and wound it gently. Then, apply rooting hormone to the wound and cover it with soil. Keep the soil moist and wait for roots to form. After the roots have formed, the newly rooted plant can be separated from the mother plant and transplanted to a new location.
Disease and Pest Management of Oldenlandia angolensis K.Schum. var. angolensis
Oldenlandia angolensis K.Schum. var. angolensis is a plant that is susceptible to pests and diseases. Farmers should monitor the plant regularly and implement effective management practices to ensure optimal growth and yield. Here are some common diseases and pests that affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is caused by the fungus Cercospora, and it is characterized by small, circular, grayish spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, farmers can use copper-based fungicides and practice crop rotation to reduce the pathogen's buildup in the soil. They can also ensure adequate plant spacing to enhance air circulation, which helps to reduce the humidity that favors the disease's development.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is another fungal disease that affects Oldenlandia angolensis. It is manifest as white, powdery growth on the leaves' upper surface. Farmers can apply sulfur-based fungicides and practice good sanitation practices to control this disease. They can also enhance the plant's vigor by providing adequate nutrients and water.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant, causing leaves to become distorted, yellow, and eventually fall off. Farmers can use insecticidal soap or neem oil-based pesticides to control aphids. They can also promote natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings, which prey on aphids.
Thrips: Thrips are tiny insects that suck sap from leaves, causing silver-gray streaks on the leaves' undersurface. Farmers can use neem oil-based pesticides to control thrips. They can also promote natural predators like predatory mites, which consume thrips.
Overall, effective disease and pest management practices are essential for ensuring healthy growth and optimal yield of Oldenlandia angolensis K.Schum. var. angolensis. Farmers should adopt an integrated pest management approach that combines cultural, physical, and chemical control measures for effective management of diseases and pests.
